Born March 13, 1978 in Kharkiv, Ukraine.  Karin Smirnoff (Russian: Êàðèíà Ñìèðíîâà) is a world champion professional dancer from Kharkiv, Ukraine. She is a five-time U.S. National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. 

Smirnoff has taken the title at the UK Open, is a three times champion at the US Open, two time champion at the Asian Open, five time champion at the Dutch Open, five time US National Professional Champion, ranked 2nd in the World, and took second at the British Open Blackpool Dance Festival.

She is "the first woman to ever make the British Professional Final with three different partners.  She has won fan adoration on Dancing With The Stars.  

Karina was one of the dancer on the third season of ABC's Dancing With The Stars and danced with celebrity partner Mario Lopez.  They finished in second place losing to former football player, Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke.  She returned in Season 4 and dancer with Billy Ray Cyrus. 

Her partner for Season Five was current five-division world champion boxer, Floyd Mayweather, Jr.  Karina has had a romantic relationship with Mario since they danced together.

In June of 2008 it was announced that Mario and Karina had ended their long term romantic relationship.

For more information visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karina_Smirnoff